Posterior telegraph

Say ,Bill ,good to see you countributing again to this forum . Your analyisis is so good I am going to download it .Class K-27 ,36 and 37 all have the engine and drivers under the first two thirds of the locomotive . The designers (engineers with degrees) did this so these larger locomotives could negotiate existing curves on the D&RG(W)system . As you point out ,the long distance between the trailer truck and the fisrt tender truck could affect the ride ,and kick out curves . CLass K-28 however ,is th e only class of 2-8-2 on the system that had the trailer directly under the cab giving these fine engines a balanced appearance. I felt this made these locomotives ride better .and capable of higher speeds as well .I would go with your second postulate ,that the spring rigging was improperly balanced ,something that is common with steam engine that have seen many shoppings . Riding 3478 as much as I did I remember you could feel every joint being telegraphed through the seat . It had no apparent trouble negotiating track like its two surviving sisters ,but not with the smoothness of 473 and 476 .Like all old equipment over the years it may have developed a combination af the problems you mention .